Article Written on September 23, 2015
Avocado season has been going bananas this year in Puerto Rico. Tree limbs full of big, ol’ avocados have been falling from the sky, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of this bounty… thanks to my awesome community. And since I’m only one person, and there’s only so much guacamole and avo-cacao pudding one person can eat (Brian doesn’t care much for avo), I had to get creative with this glorious, overabundance of aguacate.
Like most girls looking to do anything DIY, I turned to Pinterest. I quickly found what I was looking for and I was glad to see that I had all of the ingredients at home in my kitchen! As much as I try to focus on healthy eating and staying active, I know it’s just as important to focus on some self-love every once in awhile as well. So if you have some down time, show yourself some LOVE with these easy Avocado-inspired Hair and Face Masks. Be intentional and mindful while you’re mixing up your masks and while you’re waiting for the masks to set, look at it as an opportunity to get quiet and still and to connect with your breath. I highly recommend throwing on a bikini and doing the masks outside – it’s less messy and easier to clean up (make sure there is a hose nearby) – plus getting outdoors allows you to stay grounded through nature. So, what are you waiting for? Get to mixin’, get to self-lovin’, and have fun!
AVO-BANANA HAIR MASK
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado (or ½ PR avocado)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- ½ cup of Apple Cider Vinegar (keep separate for rinse)
How To: Mix or blend the avocado, banana, olive and coconut oils together. Saturate hair from roots to ends and let sit for 30 minutes. Wash with shampoo and rinse hair with cold water and Apple Cider Vinegar. For extra moisture, add a small amount of coconut oil to the ends of hair.
Benefits: Avocado contains proteins and vitamins (like A, D, E & B6) essential to hair growth and shine. Bananas are a rich source of potassium and vitamins A, E, and C, aiding in hair growth and nourishment as well. Oils like olive and coconut protect hair from environmental impurities and excess heat while moisturizing the scalp, creating a natural conditioner and anti-frizz treatment. An Apple Cider Vinegar rinse helps to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, removes buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils, and seals the hair cuticle making hair smoother, softer and shinier. ACV also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help treat an itchy, dry scalp. Avoid split ends by rubbing a small amount of coconut oil onto the ends of hair.
AVO-HONEY FACE MASK
Ingredients:
- ½ ripe avocado (or ¼ PR avocado)
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp ACV
How To: Mix or blend ingredients together. Rub mixture onto face, neck and chest and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
Benefits: Vitamins A and E found in avocados help to moisturize and repair damaged skin cells and when applied directly to the skin, the natural antioxidants found in avocados help to fight aging and free radicals. Honey (raw, not processed) works well on all skin types: it gently removes dirt without stripping your skin of natural oils, its antibacterial and probiotic properties help reduce breakouts and prevent acne, and it is said to balance oily skin while moisturizing dry skin. Plus, I’ve read here that 6-time World Surfing Champion Steph Gilmore washes her face with honey (so it’s gotta work!). Finally, ACV is said to help with age spots and acne because of its beneficial enzymes, bacteria, and trace minerals. Research suggests only using raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV to reap the benefits.